The Rotary Club of Grenada marked the culmination of its World Polio Day activities with a vibrant Purple Pinkie Day event held at the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) on October 24, 2025. This event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, served as the highlight of a week-long series of initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about the global fight to eradicate polio. Throughout the week, the club engaged in various activities, including media appearances, educational outreach, and reflections from a polio survivor. Additionally, members made online donations to Rotary International’s Polio Fund during their regular meeting on October 23, reinforcing their commitment to the cause. The Purple Pinkie Day event specifically targeted students, referred to as the ‘parents of tomorrow,’ emphasizing the critical role of vaccination in protecting future generations from poliomyelitis. The symbolic ‘purple pinkie’—a mark given to children who receive the oral polio vaccine—served as a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact of vaccination. Rotarian Dr. Sonia Nixon highlighted the importance of educating young people early, stating, ‘These students will soon be the decision-makers, the parents, the caregivers. Educating them now ensures the message of disease prevention continues into the next generation.’ Representatives from the Rotary Club of Grenada and the Ministry of Health shared insights on Rotary International’s ‘End Polio Now’ campaign, which has reduced polio cases by over 99% since 1988. The event concluded with a ‘purple pinkie pledge,’ where students demonstrated their solidarity with the global effort to eradicate polio. Rotary Club President Julia Lawrence emphasized the ongoing need for awareness and vaccination, stating, ‘Polio anywhere is a threat to children everywhere.’ The Rotary Club of Grenada expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health, TAMCC administration, and students for their enthusiastic participation, underscoring the power of partnership in fostering a healthier, polio-free future.
